ACS Equality Policy

The Equality Act 2010 came into force on October 1st 2010 and replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single Act. Its purpose was to simplify the law and strengthen it in order to tackle discrimination and inequality. Ashtead Choral Society has a commitment to equality of opportunity for all and seeks to eliminate discrimination by recognizing the needs of the individual. Ashtead Choral Society aims to create an open and friendly atmosphere where there is mutual respect and where no individual feels isolated or uncomfortable participating in activities. This applies to members of the society, performing guests and potential audience.

Aim of Policy

The aim of the Equality Policy is to ensure that the activities of the Society are open to all individuals without audition and that no one shall be refused on the grounds of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religious beliefs or financial standing.

Objectives

To implement this policy, Ashtead Choral Society will:

Identify and respond, where practicable, to the individual needs of people, ensuring equality of access, equality of treatment and equality of outcomes

Actively seek, and respond to, individual requests and concerns to facilitate participation in rehearsals and concerts

Endeavour to ensure that the premises that it uses for rehearsals and concerts are accessible, as far as is practicable, to people with a physical disability

Endeavour to provide publicity material that presents appropriate and positive messages to promote widening participation. This may include making choir information available, on request, in large print, or on tape, and providing information on the availability of practice CDs etc

Monitor all activities of the society, and this policy, at intervals and consider its effectiveness and compliance with current English law